14. Property offences 3
This chapter examines the most frequently committed property offences in Great Britain, focusing on burglary, aggravated burglary and criminal damage. It also discusses blackmail, a less frequent but equally serious offence. The general principles of these offences are explored and their actus reus and mens rea elements are discussed. The chapter explains the key provisions of the Theft Act 1968 and identifies the types of legal defence that can be successfully employed for these offences. It considers racially and religiously aggravated criminal damage, criminal damage endangering life, and arson. The chapter also provides examples of several relevant cases and analyses the bases of court decisions in each of them.